A gluten free diet is the only way people with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity can eat. Celiac disease is to wheat what a peanut allergy is to peanuts. They can make the person very sick. A gluten sensitivity is to gluten what a lactose intolerance is to milk: causes some general discomfort but isn't life threatening. Gluten sensitivity is also incorrectly self diagnosed by people by many people. In fact, it's been estimated that only 1/4 people have true allergies or intolerances that have self diagnosed.For the general population, removing gluten isn't necessary. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye and any foods that contain these grains (even in super tiny amounts). So unless you have celiac disease, an allergy to any of these grains or a true gluten sensitivity you don't need to avoid these grains. Whether you choose gluten free grains (like corn, rice or millet) or not, whole grains are a healthy choice. In fact, half of your grain choices in a day should be whole grain.

Gluten also doesn't cause weight gain on its own. Inactivity, excessive portions and a poorly balanced diet contribute to this. If you think you might have a gluten sensitivity, I'd suggest speaking to your local health professional first. Many things can contribute to stomach upset besides certain food sensitivities like medications and stress.

I self-diagnosed a gluten sensitivity and if it's done right, the answer will be correct. I did a complete elimination of gluten for 6 weeks. I felt like I walked out of a bad dream of body aches, fatigue, general malaise and severe anal itch into the sunshine and a significantly better quality of life. Anal itch is a hallmark of gluten sensitivity, one that is rarely talked about in public. As soon as I ate gluten again I ached, became tired and listless and scratched myself until I bled. Every time I eat wheat again my self-diagnosis is confirmed. We can self-diagnose if done correctly -- just like doing anything else correctly. Research and understanding is the first step. I used the book, "Ultramind" by Dr. Mark Hyman as my guide.

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Kathy

5/9/2014 03:04:36 am

I also forgot to include that doctors, themselves, say medical tests for gluten sensitivity and allergy leave much to be desired. One doctor admitted to me, "It's difficult to diagnose."

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Author

Kate ParkRD, CDE, PTS, MAN, BAScKate is a Registered Dietitian and self proclaimed foodie who studied her Master of Applied Nutrition at the University of Guelph. Currently she practices at a Family Health Team in Southern Ontario. Her greatest passion in life is food, so she spends her spare time teaching cooking classes and nutrition courses all over Ontario.